February 3 is the feast day of Saint Blaise. Saint Blaise (Heiliger Blasius) died a martyr in 316, is one of the 14 Nothelfer (Holy Helpers), and the Patron Saint of doctors, weavers, tailors. wool merchants, chandlers, tanners, and wind musicians. He is called upon for any throat diseases. Saint Blaise is also a patron […]
Category: Holidays
The Fröbelstern is a star folded from paper and one of many German Christmas decorations. In English, it’s called Nordic Star, German Star, or Froebel Star.
Volkstrauertag in Germany is a National Day of Mourning commemorating the fallen soldiers and victims of wars.
June 27 is “Siebenschläfertag” in Germany. This has nothing to do with the “Siebenschläfer” (edible dormouse) but with the “Seven Sleepers” who were Christian martyrs. Find out how this is all connected to weather lore.
Osterwasser or Easter water is water collected on Easter early in the morning, before sunrise. It is said to have healing and protective powers and won’t go bad.
On Saturday before Easter many cities in Germany celebrate with an Osterfeuer (Easter Fire). An Easter Wheel (Osterrad) though is a regional custom.
Good Friday or Karfreitag is the day when Jesus was crucified. Different regions in Germany have different customs associated with this day, from “Ratschen” to processions, from eating fish to eating “Struwen”.
Osterbrunnen are decorated fountains and wells that are common in Franconian Switzerland during Easter. They are decorated with colorful eggs and greenery garlands.
Here is a (not comprehensive) list of locations and clubs where you can celebrate German Karneval/Fasching in the U.S.
While New Year’s Day is called “Neujahr” (new year) in German, New Year’s Eve goes by the name “Silvester”, after Pope Sylvester I who died on December 31, 335.
